Outcomes of Adverse Analytical Findings in Individual and Team Sports

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to describe the outcomes of the adverse analytical findings in different Olympic sports. The data included were gathered from the World Anti-Doping Agency Anti-doping Rule Violations Reports (2013–2017). Weightlifting (78.1 ± 9.4%) wrestling (73.2 ± 18.5%) and volleyball (68.3 ± 18.7%) were the sports with the highest proportion of cases that ended in an antidoping sanction. Gymnastics (45.1 ± 10.1%), triathlon (32.6 ± 11.9%) and shooting (29.9 ± 14.1%) were the sports with a higher frequency of cases that were not sanctioned due to medical reasons. Gymnastics (22.4 ± 18.4%), boxing (23.2 ± 16.0%) and taekwondo (17.3.1 ± 16.4%) presented the highest proportion of cases that are still pending resolution. The proportion of cases that ended in no sanction was higher in fencing (26.2 ± 22.7%), skating (23.6 ± 35.1%) and tennis (18.6 ± 26.5%). These results indicate that the sanctions derived from antidoping rule violations were not uniform in all sports disciplines.

Relationship between Doping Prevalence and Socioeconomic Parameters: An Analysis by Sport Categories and World Areas

“…Previous investigations on PED use have determined significant differences in doping prevalence when comparing sport disciplines and categories [ 6 , 14 , 15 ]. Apparently, doping prevalence among individual and power sports athletes is higher than in team or motor skill sports, but they are also more likely to be tested [ 13 , 39 , 40 ].…”

“…However, prevalence research using randomized questionnaires revealed that up to 39% of elite athletes consumed prohibited substances intentionally in the last year [ 4 , 5 ]. Therefore, some investigations have questioned the efficiency of the system in the detection process and in the institutional strategy associated with the anti-doping fight [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Prior investigations have examined and compared doping use based on discipline [ 2 , 6 ], age and gender [ 9 , 10 ], or sport level [ 4 , 11 ]. Athletic success and financial gain have been identified as the most common reasons for performance-enhancing drug (PED) consumption among athletes [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Annual banned‐substance review: Analytical approaches in human sports drug testing 2020/2021

“…In consideration of the acknowledged existence of a majority of athletes that strictly disapproves doping, 8,9 various different research topics were compiled and prioritized in a concerted effort including 82 anti‐doping stakeholders, 10 aiming at respecting the needs, requests, and expectations of all parties. In a variety of studies, the essential and indispensable role of conventional anti‐doping tests in combination with doping control sample long‐term storage and re‐testing programs was summarized, 11–14 highlighting the importance of harmonizing especially global anti‐doping testing frequencies, an aspect that has not been fully accomplished today 15 and which experienced a severe setback particularly during the most critical months of the COVID‐19 pandemic 16,17 . The pandemic, however, fueled efforts in expanding testing options, particularly by means of modern options including remote testing strategies utilizing complementary matrices such as dried blood spots (DBS), 18,19 which support on the one hand anti‐doping organizations' efforts in addressing their commitments in testing, deterrence, and follow‐up investigations in case of atypical (ATF) as well as adverse analytical findings (AAFs), and on the other hand, the clean athletes in maintaining a continuous and frequent series of anti‐doping tests, 20 corroborating (while not unequivocally proving 21 ) their compliance to anti‐doping rules.…”